Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities are, on the one hand, possible obligations arising from past events whose existence is confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of uncertain future events that are not entirely under the Company’s control. On the other hand, contingent liabilities represent current obligations arising from past events for which, however, an outflow of economic resources is not considered probable or whose amount cannot be determined with sufficient reliability. According to IAS 37, such liabilities are not recognised in the balance sheet but disclosed in the notes.

Accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

Derivative financial instruments are exclusively used to reduce risks. They are used in accordance with the respective Group guideline.

In accordance with IAS 39, all derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value and shown under other financial and non-financial assets or other financial and non-financial liabilities.

Derivative financial instruments are measured on the basis of interbank terms and conditions, possibly including the credit margin or stock exchange price applicable to METRO GROUP. The median prices at the balance sheet date are applied. Where no stock exchange prices are used, the fair value is determined by means of recognised financial models.

In the case of an effective hedge accounting transaction pursuant to IAS 39, fair value changes of derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the underlying transactions are reported in profit or loss. In cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the fair value change of the derivative is carried in equity outside of profit or loss. A transfer to the income statement is effected only when the underlying transaction is realised. The ineffective portion of the change in the value of the hedging instrument is immediately reported in profit or loss.

Accounting for share-based payments

The share bonuses granted under the share-based payments system are classified as “cash-settled share-based payments” pursuant to IFRS 2 (Share-based Payment). Proportionate provisions measured at the fair value of the obligations entered into are formed for these payments. The proportionate formation of the provisions is prorated over the underlying vesting period and recognised in profit or loss as personnel expenses. The fair value is remeasured at each balance sheet date during the vesting period until exercise based on an option pricing model. Provisions are adjusted accordingly in profit or loss.

Where granted share-based payments are hedged through corresponding hedging transactions, the hedging transactions are measured at fair value and shown under other financial and non-financial assets. The portion of the hedges’ value fluctuation that corresponds to the value of fluctuation of the share-based payments is recognised in personnel expenses. The surplus amount of value fluctuations is recognised in equity outside of profit or loss.